Mobile track tamper for continuously correcting a track position

ABSTRACT

In track leveling and/or lining with a continuously advancing track tamper, the tamping tools are continuously moved relative to the continuously advancing machine frame in synchronization with the machine advance in such a manner that the tamping tools are held in respective cribs while they tamp the ballast.

United States Patent [1 1 Plasser et al. Mar. 5, 1974 MOBILE TRACKTAMPER FOR 58] Field of Search 104/1, 7 R, 78, 8, l2, 7

' CONTINUOUSLY CORRECTING A TRACK POSITION [56] References Cited [76]Inventors: Franz Plasser; Josef Theurer, both 7 UNITED STATES PATENTS ofJohannesgasse A1010, Vienna, 3,455,249 7/1969 Stewart 104/7 R AustriaPrimary ExaminerGerald'M. Forlenza [22] Flled' July 1972Assistant.ExaminerRichard A. Bertsch [21] Appl. No.5 271,926 Attorney,Agent, or Firm-Kurt Kelman R lated .S. A 1' ti 1) ta e U v pp 8 57ABSTRACT [62] DlVlSlOll of Ser. No. 48,127, June 22, 1970, Pat. No.

3,687,081. t In track leveling and/or linmg with a contmuouslyadvancingtrack tamper, the tamping tools are continu- [30] Foreign Applicationpriority Data ously moved relative to the continuously advancing Jul 241969 Austria. A 7175/69 machine frame in synchronization with themachine y advance in such a manner that the tamping tools are [52] U 8Cl 104/12 104/7 R 104/8 held in respective cribs while they tamp theballast.

[51] Int. Cl Elllb 27/17 41 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures MOBILE TRACKTAMI-"ER FOR CONTINUOUSLY CORRECTING A TRACK POSITION This is a divisionof application Ser. No. 48,127, filed June 22, 1970, now U.S. Pat. No.3,687,081.

The present invention relates to improvements in a mobile track tampingmachine for correcting the position of a track in relation to areference system. The tamping machine comprises a frame, a track movingunit for raising and/or laterally shifting the track, which unit ismounted on the machine frame, and a plurality of ballast tamping toolsmounted on the frame for tamping the ballast in the crib between thetrack ties.

Conventionally, track leveling and/or lining, combined with tracktamping designed to fix the track in the corrected position, has usuallybeen effectuated with mobile machines advancing intermittently in aworking direction along the track. During the intermittent stops of themachine, the tamping tools were immersed in successive cribs to compactthe ballast in the cribs or underneath the adjacent ties, the machinebeing stopped as long as the tamping proceeded. This, of course,involved time losses whose length depended primarily on the extent oftamping effectuated.

Aside from the cumulative time loss during the track corrrctingoperation, this procedure also involved relatively rapidly repeatingbraking of the very heavy tamper and similarly rapidly repeating settingin motion of the heavy tamper as the same is advanced from tie to tie.The difficulties are compounded by the necessity of stopping and movingat rather precise intervals so as to center the tamping tools properlyin the cribs, and

to keep the forward end of the reference system at a proper distance.While attempts have been made to overcome at least some of thesedifficulties by automated controls, they have not always been successfulbecause of the irregularities in the structure of most tracks.

It is a primary object of this invention to overcome the above and otherdisadvantages in track leveling and/or lining operations so that thesamemay proceed truly continuously and without any interruptions whileobtaining very accurate track positioning and fixing the track in thecorrected position.

By avoiding the intermittent stops along the entire track section to becorrected and advancing smoothly and continuously along the track whilethe various required tools effectuate the desired work, such as raising, lining and tamping, the track position can-be corrected veryprecisely and the quality of the tamping may be kept at the highestlevel to assure long lasting fixation of the track in the correctedposition. In other words, the tamping time need not be shortened to savetime but it may be controlled so as to obtain the necessary tampingunder all track conditions without the need for stopping the operation.

The above and other objects and advantages of the invention areaccomplished by continuously advancing a mobile tamping machine of theabove described type along the track in a working direction whilemaintaining the track moving unit in continuous gripping engagement withthe track rails while the machine continuously advances and the trackisthus raised and/or lined in relation to the reference system. For thispurpose, the track moving unit is continuously operated while itgrippingly engages the track rails to maintain the position of the trackin a selected relation to the reference system, and the track is fixedin the maintained position by tamping the ballast with the tampingtools. This is accomplished according to the present invention bycontinuously moving the tamping tools relative to the continuouslyadvancing machine frame to hold respective tamping tools in respectivecribs during the tamping of the ballast in the cribs while the machineadvances continuously.

While continuous lining of tracks has been proposed, track correction iscombined with track tamping in the continuous method of this inventionsince track leveling is not effective without tamping, i.e. fixing theleveled track in the corrected position.

Track tampers with tamping tool units which are movable relative to themachine frame or wherein alternate tamping tool units are used have alsobeen proposed but none of these procedures of machines have successfullysolved the problem of so controlling and coordinating all working toolsof the machine that a truly continuous track level correction andfixation is accomplished.

A number of modifications in mobile track tamping machines of the abovedescribed type may be used to obtain the above results, as will appearin the following description of now preferred embodiments. In essence,such a machine comprises a machine frame mounted on the track forcontinuous advancement therealong in a working direction. A track movingunit designed to raise and, if desired, to line the track is arranged onthe frame for continuous gripping engagement with the track rails whilethe machine continuously advances, and a reference system is associatedwith the track for correcting the position thereof in relation to therefer ence system. A control element indicates the position of the trackand cooperates with the reference system for operating the track movingunit to maintain the position of the track in a selected relation to thereference system determined by the cooperation of the control elementwith the reference system. A plurality of vibra- 1 tory tamping toolsare spaced from each other in the direction of track elongationaccording to the spacing of the cribs and mounted on the machine framefor rel ative movement in relation thereto in this direction. Means isprovided for continuously operating the track moving unit in response tothe control element, and a controlled drive moves the vibratory ballasttamping tools relative to the machine frame.

The above and other objects, advantages and features of the presentinvention will be more fully understood by reference to the followingdetailed description of certain now preferred embodiments thereof, takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein FIG. 1 is a sideview of one embodiment of a track leveling and tamping machine accordingto this invention, showing a modification in broken lines;

FIG. 2 is a side view of combined track leveling, lining and tampingmachine embodying the invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the machine of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are side views of two further embodiments of apparatusaccording to the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 5.

Referring now to the drawing, wherein like reference numerals designatelike parts operating in a like manner in all figures to avoid redundancyin the description. FIG. 1 shows a mobile track leveling and tampingmachine comprising a machine frame ll of considerable length. Theelongated machine frame is supported at its respective ends by runninggears 2, 2 for mobility on the track, a machine frame portion ofconsiderable length being suspended over the track section to be leveledand tamped. The running gears may be swivel trucks, if desired. Thetrack consists of rails 3 and ties 4 supported on ballast (not shown).In accordance with the method of the present invention,- the machinemoves forwardly continuously while work is done on the track by thetools supported thereon, the working direction being indicated by theoverhead arrow pointing to the right in the drawing.

As is well known in track working machines of this general type, a tracklifting unit 5 is mounted on the forward portion of the machine frame inassociation with each rail 3. The illustrated unit is conventional andcomprises coperating pairs of rollers which engage each rail and thusclamp the rail therebetween while the machine moves and withoutinterference with such movement. A hydraulic motor comprising cylinder 6and vertically movable piston 7 is connected to these units to move thesame vertically, the hydraulic fluidsupply to the motor being controlledby a grading reference system in a known manner to lift the track to thedesired grade.

This reference system, which may take any suitable form, is illustratedas a conventional system comprising an emitter 8 of radiation, such as abeam of infrared rays or a laser beam, and a receiver 9 of the emittedbeam of radiation, this beam between the emitter and receiver forming areference 10 over the track section to be leveled or graded. As shown,the beam emitter 8 is mounted on a support rod 11 which is verticallymovable in a vertical trackway in the front portion of machine frame 1and rides on rail 3 on a roller, thus to indicate the rail level. Thebeam receiver 9 is also mounted on a support rod, the rod 16 issimilarly running on rollers on the rail, the support rod 16 beingmounted on brackets at the rear end of'the machine frame and also beingfreely movable vertically. in this manner, the front point 8 of thereference 10 reflects the level of track in an uncorrected track sectionin advance of the machine while the end point 9 of the referencereflects the level of the corrected track section.

While the above described embodiment of the reference system movescontinuously and in unison with the machine while work is done on thetrack, a modification of the mounting of the front point of thereference line for movement independently the movement of the machine isshown in broken lines.

In this modified machine, a beam emitter 8' is mounted on aself-propelled front bogie 13 which has its own drive 12 and supportsthe emitter 8' on rod 11 The speed of drive 12 is radio controlled so asto select the distance between the front bogie carrying beam emitter 8'and the machine, which makes the reference system more flexible andadaptable to various track conditions, as is known. Also, with such acontrol, emitter 8' may be moved synchronously with the machine frame 1,i.e., at the same speed, so as to maintain a constant distance betweenthe emitter and the machine frame, or the bogie 13 may be moved at adifferent speed to synchronize its movement with that of the tracktamping means (which move in a manner to be described hereinafter inrelation to the machine frame). The fixed position of the referencesystem in relation to the track tamping means during tamping,

i.e., while the track is fixed in its leveled position, is of advantagefor the accuracy of the operation.

The radio control of the speed of drive 12 is illustrated by a radiowaveemitter 14 mounted on the tamping tool carrier frame 18 for movement inunision therewith and the radiowave receiver 15 fixedly mounted on bogie13, such radio control being conventional and requiring no furtherdescription since it forms no part of the invention, except in theclaimed combination.

As is also known, a track correction control element constituted by astop or beam sensing member 17 is mounted on the frame adjacent the pathof the reference beam 10. This stop is also mounted on the frame forfree vertical movement and also runs on a roller on the track rail toindicate or reflect the level of the rail at this point which is chosenclose to the tamping means where the track is fixed in the leveledposition. When the rail has reached the desired level, the stop 17,which moves up with the rail on which it rests, will intersect the beam,thus producing a control signal emanating from beam receiver 9 whichterminates the operation of motor 6, 7, i.e., the lifting of the track,and may also be used, if desired, to terminate the operation of thetamping means adjacent the stop 17.

All of the above-described structure is conventional and forms part ofthe present invention only inasmuch as it is combined with the mountingarrangement of the track tamping means which will now be set forth.

The embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1 comprises'two adjacenttamping tool carrier frames 18 and 26 mounted adjacent each other on theelongated machine frame 1 for relative movement thereto. The frames 18and 20 are glidingly supported on frame 1 by means of elongated guidebeams 20, 20 to enable the frames 18 and 20 to be moved relative to themachine frame 1 in the direction of track elongation, i.e., in theworking direction of the continuously moving machine. A track tampingtool carrier mounting of a similar type is shown in our U. S. Pat. No.3,380,395, dated Apr. 30, 1968, entitled Apparatus for Tamping Ballast.

' The support frame 18 is movable along guide beams 20, 20 whichconstitute a trackway for the frame along the direction of elongation ofthe machine frame 1, by means of hydraulic motor 19, the cylinder ofwhich is fixedly mounted on the frame 1 while the slidable piston rod islinked to the frame 18. A tamping tool carrier 22 is vertically movablymounted on vertical columns forming part of the frame 18, the tampingtool carrier supporting groups of tamping tools 21 vibrated by a commoneccenter shaft 23. The particular tamping means schematically shown inthe drawing is of the type fully described and claimed in our U. S. Pat.No. 3,357,366, dated Dec. 12, 1967, entitled Track Tamping Machine, andincluding two pairs of opposed tamping tools. The pairs of tools arespaced from each other in the direction of elongation of the track (andthe machine frame), the spacing between the pairs of tools being suchthat the tools of each pair which are adjacenteach other are at asmaller distance from each other than the width of a crib whereby theseadjacent tamping tools may be immersed in a crib between adjacent ties.The opposing tools of each pair are arranged for immersion in theballast adjacent one of the ties when the tamping tool carrier islowered, with the one tie positioned between the opposing tools, and forreciprocation in the direction of track elongation.

A track sensing element 19 is fixedly mounted at the front end oftamping tool carrier support frame 18 to sense the position of the framein relation to the track, such sensing element being mounted for contactwith respective ties 4, for instance. This sensing element forms part ofa control for the operation of motor 19 so that it may be driven untilthe tamping tools 21 are properly centered in their respective cribs.Upon contact of the tie sensing element 19' with a tie 4, the motoroperation will be discontinued to stop the frame 18 in its centeredposition. I

The front end of frame 18 also carries limit switches 24, 24 mounted inalignment, and for cooperation, with facing stops 25, 25 mounted onmachine frame 1.

When the limit switches contact the stops, the motor 19 will be stoppedto discontinue the movement of the fraem 18 in respect to the frame 1.The control circuit for the operation of motor 19 is indicated in brokenlines leading from sensing element 19 and stops 25, 25 respectively, tocontrol unit which determines the delivery of pressure fluid to motor19.

A second tamping tool carrier frame 26 is coupled to frame 18 formovement therewith along the trackway 20, 20, this second frame beingmounted rearwardly of the first frame 18 in the working direction of themachine and being additionally movable in relation to frame 18. Asshown, a hydraulic motor 32 is arranged to move the frame 26 on thetrackway 20, 20, the cylinder of motor 32 being fixed toframe 26 whilethe slidable piston rod thereof is linked to frame 18 to couple the twoframes together. In this manner, the distance between the two tampingtool carrier frames may be varied.

The frame 26 supports a carrier plate 21 whereon surface ballastcompactors 27 are mounted for tamping the cribs after the ballast hasbeen tamped underneath the ties by the tamping means 21. The tampingtool carrier plate 31 may be vertically moved by hydraulic motor 28, andthe carrier plate is vibrated by an eccen ter shaft 30, the vibratingcompactors being under the bias of compression springs 29 during thetamping operation. Tamping means of this general type is also wellknown, neither of the illustrated tamping means on carriers 18 and 26forming part of the invention, except in the claimed combination. 7

The rear end of frame 26 carries a limit switch 33 in alignment, and forcooperation, with stop 34 on machine frame 34 to control the independentmovement of frame 26 by motor 32 in a manner similar to the controldescribed in connection with motor 19. This control circuit alsoincludes the operation of the eccenter shafts 23 and 30, as shown inbroken lines, the electrical control system for the hydraulic motorshereinabove described being quite conventional.

The track leveling, lining and tamping machine shown in FIGS. 2 and 3differs, in substance, from the machine of FIG. 1 only in the mountingarrangement for the tamping means, except for the provision of aconventional reference system for lining and of conventional liningmeans.

While the reference system controlling the lining of the track may takeany suitable form, it has been illustrated by a reference line 37extending between the rear bogie 16 and the front bogie 13 whichconstitute the two end points of the reference system. The referenceline 37 is preferably a tensioned wire whose position is taken atmeasuring point 38 to control the lining,

for instance in the manner described and claimed in our U. S. Pat. No.3,314,373, dated Apr. 18, l967, entitled Method and Apparatus forAligning Track. As is also well known, the rail gripping roller units 5,5 may be interconnected by a horizontally extending hydraulic motor soas to shift the track in either lateral direction, depending on theoperation of the motor (not shown) in response to the position oftensioned wire 37 at point 38.

In the generally conventional reference system shown in FIGS. 2 and 3,the reference for the leveling operation includes only a single beamemitter 8a mounted on support rod 11 on front bogie 13, the emittersending a beam of radiation of sufficient width to reach the tworeceivers 9a, 9a associated with respective rails 3 of the track at therear of the machine. The front bogie is coupled to the front end of themachine at a fixed distance by spacing rod 13. If desired, the beamemanating-from emitter 8a may be a planar laser beam forming a referenceplane for controlling the level of the track.

Optionally, two additional stops l7 and 17" associated with respectivetamping tool carrier frames 36, 36 may be mounted on these frames in amanner similar to that described in connection with the mounting of stop17, these stops being arranged in the range of the tamping means so asto improve the accruacy of the leveling operation.

The pair of like tamping tool carrier frames 36, 36' are mountedaccording to the present invention in the following manner, each framebeing associated with a respective one of the rails, as best seen in thetop view of FlG. 3. Each of the frames is glidably mounted on trackwayssimilarly to the frames 18 and 26 but the frames are independently andseparately movable in the direction of track elongation and in respectof the machine frame 1 by separate hydraulic motors 39.

In this manner, the relative position of the frames 36 and 36 to eachother may be selectively controlled. This control may include amechanical coupling between the carriers and, at any rate, may be sodetermined that the relative position of the two frames and the tampingmeans they carry may take any desired form. In the illustratedembodiment, the tamping means on each frame is designed forsimultaneously tamping two adjacent ties (as more fully describedhereinabove) and the frame may be alternately moved in such a mannerthat four ties are tamped. As indicated in broken lines, the positionsof the frames 36, 36' may be so changed that the tamping means of oneframe will be operated to tamp the ballast while the other. frame ismoved in the direction of track elongation. The relative movement may beso controlled that the tamping means carried by both frames willsimultaneously tamp one tie or one crib.

Since the rail engaging gripping roller units 5 are relatively farremoved from the tamping means which fix the track in the leveledposition, it is preferred to hold the track rails in position at thepoints of tamping by rail gripping rollers 40 mounted on the undersideof frames 36, 36.

In the machine of FIG. 4, a plurality of individual ballast tampingtools 42 are mounted in tamping tool carrier frame 47 which is fixed inelongated machine frame 1. The tools 42 are sequentially spaced fromeach other in the direction of elongation of the track and arranged formovement in this direction and in respect of frames 47 and 1. In theillustrated embodiment, each tool 42 has a drive 41, such as an eccentershaft, for vibrating the tool. The carrier for the tamping tools is anendless conveyor arranged for continuous movement in a vertical planeparallel to the track while the machine advances continuously along thetrack. The illustrated conveyor is an endless sectional band trainedabout pulleys 44, .45 one of which is preferably driven to move theendless band 43. Obviously, equivalent endless conveyor means mountedfor continuous movement may be used as carrier for the tamping tools,such as a chain, an endless track, a wheel, a rotating wheel and thelike. Preferably, the carrier 43 is adjustably mounted on a trackway 48for moving the entire carrier in respect of the fixed frame 47 in thedirection of track elongation.

The spacing of the individual tamping tools 42, which is preferablyadjustable, is such that successive tools will be immersed in successivecribs as the endless conveyor 43 moves continuously during thecontinuous advance of the machine along the track. The direction of thecontinuous movement of the endless conveyor is such that its lower run,which carries the tamping tools which are immersed in the ballast, movescounter to the forward movement of the machine. Thus, if the speed ofmovement of the conveyor is the same as the speed of the movement of themachine, each immersed tamping tool will, in fact, stand still in thecrib and, by its vibration, tamp the ballast in the crib. If the speedof the conveyor is increased slightly over that of the machine, eachimmersed vibrating tamping tool 42 will be moved towards an adjacenttie, thus further compacting the ballast underneath this tie.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tamping tools 42 are pivotal leversand drivers 46, shown as hydraulic motors, are connected to eachindividual tool for pivoting the same so as to press the tool against anadjacent tie, when immersed, and/or to pivot a selected tool into or outof the ballast in any selected crib.

As FIG. 4 shows, while one tamping tool 42 (or a series of such tools)is immersed in a respective crib and is moved by conveyor 43 opposite tothe direction of movement of the machine in respect of the machineframe, another tamping tool (or a series of such tools) on the upper runof the conveyor is moved by the conveyor in the direction of movement ofthe machine in an inoperative position. In other words, as thesuccessive tamping tools are advanced by the conveyor, they move from aninoperative position, wherein they move in the same direction as themachine, into an operative position, wherein they move opposite to thisdirection. This movement of the tamping tools is relative to the machineframe and the speed of this relative movement may be readily controlledin respect of the speed of the machine movement, such relative movementin respect of the track being zero, if desired.

If the conveyor 43 runs a little faster than the machine, this movementalone will cause the tamping tools immersed in a respective crib to movetowards an adjacent tie, i.e., to produce a tamping movement. Thistamping movement may be reinforced by operating the drive 46 so as topivot the immersed tamping tool towards the tie.

Still another embodiment of a track working machine according to thepresent invention is shown in FIGS. and 6. In this machine, the tampingtool carrier frame 51 is longitudinally movably mounted in the elongatedmachine frame 1 on trackway 58. The drive for moving the frame 51 in thedirection of track elongation in respect of machine frame 1 includes anelongated rack 49 extending the length'of the frame 1 and meshing with apinion 50 mounted on frame 51 and driven by a motor 59.

The frame 51 supports the carrier 57 for all tamping tools associatedwith the respective track rails, including the tamping tools 52 arrangedfor immersion in respective cribs for tamping ballast underneath anadjacent tie and surface compactors 54 arranged for compacting theballast in the cribs previously tamped by tools 52. The tamping tools 52are similar to those described hereinabove in connection with FIG. 4,i.e., they consist of pivotal vibratory levers which-may be individuallymoved towards an adjacent tie by drives 53.

Each of the tamping tools may be individually moved vertically intoengagement with, or immersion into, the ballast by hydrauilc motors 55operatively connected to respective tools, these tools being verticallymovably mounted on carrier 57 which itself may be vertically moved bymotors 56, 56.

In the preferred arrangement of the tamping tools, tamping tools 52 and54 alternate, being spaced from each other so that successive tools workon successive cribs, and the surface compactors 54 being arrangedrearwardly of the immersion tools 52 in the preferred working directionindicated by the overhead arrow in full lines.

However, the machine may also be operated in the reverse direction, asindicated by the overhead arrow in broken lines. For this purpose, twotrack moving units 5, 5 are arranged on the frame 51 at the front andrear end, respectively, the unit at the front end being used in eitherworking direction. The light bogie 13 of the reference system may, ofcourse, be readily moved to the other end of the machine when itsworking direction is reversed. The same holds true for the bogie 16carrying 'receiver 9 which may be positioned in guides 9', 9" at theother end of machine frame 1.

In this embodiment, contrary to the afore-described machines, the trackmoving units 5, 5 are mounted on the movable tamping tool carrier frame,i.e., they are movable therewith, rather than being mounted on themachine frame I. In other words, the track moving unit will move inrespect of the machine in the direction of track elongation while themachine continuously advances, remaining at all times in grippingengagement with the track rails to hold the same at the desired leveland/or the desired alignment determined by the refer ence system. Thestop 17 of the reference system is also mounted onframe 51 for movementtherewith and with the track moving unit. For proper positioning in thereverse working direction, an alternative bearing 17a for the supportrod of stop 17 is provided near the other end of the frame 51.

In all described and illustrated embodiments of this invention, theballast tamping tools working in respective cribs during the continuousadvance of the machine along the track are continuously moved withsubstantially constant speed in respect of the machine frame and in adirection opposite to the movement of the machine frame, the speeds ofmovement of the ma chine frame and the tamping tools being sosynchronized that the tools will remain in the cribs in which they workduring the advance of the machine.

erence system for correcting the position, i.e., the level I and/or thelining, of the track. Furthermore, they include drive means for movingthe tamping tools, the machine frame and the track moving unit, and acontrol for synchronizing the drive means. The embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2and 5 furthermore provide a control responsive to the continuous advanceof the machine frame along the track for regulating the duration of thetamping in each crib, this control adjusting the speedof the continuousmovement of the tamping tool carrier frame first in a direction oppositeto the working direction of the machine while successive cribs aretamped and then in the same direction as the machine working directionto move the tools, while lifted out of the ballast, into the nextadjacent track section to be worked. Controls of this type are readilywithin the skill of the art and their specific construction forms nopart of the present invention, any suitable and commercially availablecontrol being useful, such as relay-controlled electric control circuitsoperating solenoid valves in a hydraulic fluid supply system if thedrives, as illustrated herein, are hydraulic motors.

Also, the machine of the present invention may be used in connectionwith any suitable reference system commercially available or becomingavailable for track correction work.

Thus, while some preferred embodiments have been described andillustrated herein, it will be clearly understood that many variationsand modifications may occur to those skilled in the art, particularlyafter benefiting from the present teaching, without departing from thespirit and scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A mobile track tamping machine for correcting the position of a trackincluding two rails mounted on successive ties resting on ballastdefining cribs between the ties, which machine comprises 1. a machineframe mounted on the track for continuous advancement therealong in aworking direction,

2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame for continuous grippingengagement with the track rails while the machine continuously advances,

3. a reference system associated with the track for correcting theposition thereof in relation to the reference system,

a. the track moving unit being arranged to raise the track in relationto the reference system,

4. a control element indicating the position of the track andcooperating with the reference system for operating the track movingunit to maintain the position of the track in a selected relation to thereference system determined by the cooperation of the control elementwith the reference system,

5. a plurality of vibratory ballast tamping tools spaced from each otherin the direction of track elongation according to the spacing of saidcribs and mounted on the machine frame for relative movement in relationthereto in said direction,

6. means for continuously operating the track moving unit in response tothe control element,

7. a drive for moving the vibratory ballast tamping tools relative tothe machine frame, and

8. a control for said drive.

2. The track tamping machine of claim 1, wherein the track moving unitis arranged to raise the track in relation to the reference system.

3. The track tamping machine of claim 1, wherein the drive for movingthe vibratory ballast tamping tools relative to the machine frame is ahydraulic motor.

4. The track tamping machine of claim 1, wherein said machine frame iselongated, front and rear running gears at the ends of the elongatedmachine frame mount the frame for mobility on the track, and the tampingtools are mounted on the elongated machine frame between the front andrear running gears for vertical movement in relation to the machineframe.

5. The track tamping machine of claim ,1 comprising a carrier for thetamping tools, the carrier being mounted for relative movement to themachine frame in said direction.-

6. The track tamping machine of claim 5, further comprising a framesupporting the tamping tool carrier, the tamping tool carrier supportframe being mounted on the machine frame for relative movement inrelation thereto.

7. The track tamping machine of claim 1, wherein said control isresponsive to the continuous advancement of the machine frame in saidworking direction, the control being arranged continuously to drive thetamping tools in response to the continuous advancement alternatelyopposite to the working direction in synchronization with theadvancement, whereby the tamping tools remain in respective ones of saidcribs during tamping of the ballast, and in said working direction tomove the tamping tools to a successive cribs along the track.

8. The track tamping machine of claim 1, further comprising a firstframe supporting one group of said tamping tools, said one group oftamping tools being arranged to tamp the ballast in respective ones ofsaid cribs underneath adjacent ones of said ties, and a second framesupporting another group of said tamping tools, said other group oftamping tools being arranged to compact the ballast in the cribs, thesecond frame being arranged rearwardly of the first framein the workingdirection, and the tamping tool support frames being mounted on themachine frame for relative movement in relation thereto.

9. The track tamping machine of claim 8, further comprising a drive formoving the second frame in relation to the first frame in saiddirection.

10. The track tamping machine of claim 9, wherein the drive for movingthe tamping tools in a common drive for the first and second framesoperated by said control, and said control also operates the drive formoving the second frame in relation to the first frame.

11. The track tamping machine of claim 1, further comprising a pluralityof frames each supporting a group of said tamping tools, each of saidtamping tool support frames being mounted on the machine frame forrelative movement in relation thereto, the drive for moving the tampingtools comprising separately controlled drive means for each of saidtamping tool support frames.

12. The track tamping machine of claim 1, furthercomprising two frameseach supporting a group of said tamping tools, said tamping tool supportframes being associated with respective ones of said rails, and thecontrol for the drive being arranged to move the frames into selectedpositions in relation to each other.

13. The track tamping machine of claim 12, wherein each of said groupsof tamping tools is arranged to tamp the ballast in two adjacent cribssimultaneously, and the drive I control being arranged to move theframes into the selected positions wherein the tamping tools on bothframes simultaneously tamp the same crib.

14. The track tamping machine of claim 1, further comprising a commonframe supporting groups of said tamping tools associated with respectiveones of the rails, the tamping tools being vertically movable, and thecommon tamping tool support frame being mounted on the machine frame forrelative movement in relation thereto.

15. The track tamping machine of claim 14, wherein each of the groups oftamping tools consists of alternatingly mounted tamping tools arrangedto tamp the ballast in respective ones of said cribs underneath adjacentones of said ties and to compact the ballast in the cribs, thealternating tamping tools being spaced in the direction of elongation ofthe track.

16. The track tamping machine of claim 15, wherein the tools arranged tocompact the ballast in the cribs are rearwardly of the tools arranged totamp the ballast underneath the ties in the working direction.

17. The track tamping machine of claim 16, further comprising drivemeans for moving the tamping tools arranged to tamp the ballastunderneath the ties towards said ties.

18. The track tamping machine of claim 1, further comprising an endlessconveyor carrier for the tamping tools, the controlled drivecontinuously moving the endless conveyor in a vertical plane parallel tothe track for positioning successive ones of the tamping tools inrespective ones of said cribs.

19. The track tamping machine of claim 18, further comprising meansadjustably mounting the tamping tools on the endless conveyor carrierfor varying the spacing therebetween.

20. The track tamping machine of claim 18, wherein the drive control isarranged so to regulate the speed of the endless conveyor in respect ofthe speed of the machine advancement that a respective one of thetamping tools remains in the crib during tamping while the machinecontinuously advances.

21. The track tamping machine of claim 18, wherein the tamping tools arevibratory levers pivotal about an axis extending transversely to thetrack, and a drive means is connected to each vibratory lever forpivoting the lever about said axis in a vertical plane parallel to thetrack.

22. The track tamping machine of claim 1, wherein the track moving unitis mounted on the machine frame.

23. The track tamping machine of claim 1, further comprising a framesupporting the tamping tools, the tamping tool supporting frame beingmounted on the machine frame for relative movement in relation thereto,and the track moving unit being mounted on the movable frame formovement in unison therewith relative to the machine frame.

'24. The track tamping machine of claim 1, further comprisingauxiliaryfitrack position holding means, said means being mounted in therange of the tamping tools for continuously gripping the track railswhile the machine continuously advances and the tamping tools areoperated to hold the track in the corrected position.

25,. The track tamping machine of claim 1, further comprising a framesupporting the tamping tools, the tamping tool supporting frame beingmounted on the machine frame for relative movement in relation thereto,and sensing means associated with the tamping tool supporting frame forsensing varying distances between the ties, the sensing means beingoperatively connected to the control for actuating the drive control inresponse to the sensed distances.

26. The track tamping machine of claim 25, wherein the sensing means isa tactile sensing element fixedly mounted on the frame supporting thetamping tools and arranged to contact successive ones of the ties in itspath during the continuous advancement of the machine frame.

27. The track tamping machine of claim 1, further comprising a framesupporting the tamping tools, the tamping tool supporting frame beingmounted on the machine frame for relative movement in relation thereto,and said control element being mounted for movement in unison with thetamping tool supporting frame.

28. The track tamping machine of claim 1, further comprising a framesupporting the tamping tools, the tamping tool supporting frame beingmounted on the machine frame for relative movement in relation thereto,said reference system including a movable for-' ward end, and controlmeans for moving the forward end in response to the movement of thetamping tool supporting frame.

29. A mobile track tamping machine for correction the position of atrack including two rails mounted on successive ties resting on ballastdefining cribs between the ties, which machine comprises 1. an elongatedmachine frame,

2. front and rear running gears at the ends of the elongated machineframe mounting the frame on the track for continuous advancementtherealong in a working direction,

3. a track moving unit arranged on the frame for continuous grippingengagement with the track rails while the machine continuously advances,

4. a reference system associated with the track for correcting theposition thereof in relation to the reference system,

5. a control element indicating the position of the track andcooperating with the reference system for operating the track movingunit to maintain the position of the track in a selected relation to thereference system determined by the cooperation of the control elementwith the reference system,

6. a plurality of vibratory ballast tamping tools spaced from each otherin the direction of track elongation according to the spacing of saidcribs and mounted on the elongated machine frame between the front andrear running gears for vertical movement in relationto the machine frameand for relative movement in relation thereto in said direc- 30. Amobile track tamping machine for correcting the position of a trackincluding two rails mounted on successive ties resting on ballastdefining cribs between the ties, which machine comprises 1. a machineframe mounted on the track for continuous advancement therealong in aworking direction,

2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame for continuous grippingengagement with the track rails while the machine continuously advances,

3. a reference system associated with the track for correcting theposition thereof in relation to the reference system,

4. a control element indicating the position of the track andcooperating with the reference system for operating the track movingunit to maintain the position of the track in a selected relation to thereference system determined by the cooperation of the control elementwith the reference system,

5. a plurality of vibratory ballast tamping tools spaced from each otherin the direction of track elongation according to the spacing of saidcribs and mounted on the machine frame for relative movement in relationthereto in said direction,

6. means for continuously operating the track moving unit in response tothe control element,

7. a drive for moving the vibratory ballast tamping tools relative tothe machine frame,

8. a control for said drive,

9. a carrier for the tamping tools, and

10. a frame supporting the tamping tool carrier,

a. the tamping tool carrier support frame being mounted on the machineframe for relatively movement in relation thereto.

31. A mobile track tamping machine for correcting the position of atrack including two rails mounted on successive ties resting on ballastdefining cribs between the ties, which machine comprises 1. a machineframe mounted on the track for continuous advancement therealong in aworking direction,

2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame for continuous grippingengagement with the track rails while the machine continuously advances,

3. a reference system associated with the track for correcting theposition thereof in relation to the reference system,

4. a control element indicating the position of the track andcooperating with the reference system for operating the track movingunit to maintain the position of the track in a selected relation to thereference system determined by the cooperation of the control elementwith the reference system,

5. a plurality of vibratory ballast tamping tools spaced from each otherin the direction of track elongation according to the spacing of saidcribs andmounted on the machine frame for relative movement in relationthereto in said direction,

6. means for continuously operating the track moving unit in response tothe control element,

7. a drive for moving the vibratory ballast tamping tools relative tothe machine frame, and

8. a control for said drive, a. the control being responsive to thecontinuous advancement of the machine frame in said working directionand being arranged continuously to drive the tamping tools in responseto the continuous advancement alternately opposite to the workingdirection in synchronization with the advancement, whereby the tampingtools remain in respective ones of said cribs during tamping of theballast, and in said 5 working direction to move the tamping tools to asuccessive cribs along the track.

32. A mobile track tamping machine for correcting the position of atrack including two rails mounted on successive ties resting on ballastdefining cribs between the ties, which machine comprises 1. a machineframe mounted on the track for continuous advancement therealong in aworking direction,

2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame for continuous grippingengagement with the track rails while the machine continuously advances,

3. a reference system associated with the track for correcting theposition thereof in relation to the reference system,

4. a control element indicating the position of the track andcooperating with the reference system for operating the track movingunit to maintain the position of the track in a selected relation to thereference system determined by the cooperation of the control elementwith the reference system,

5. a plurality of vibratory ballast tamping tools spaced from each otherin the direction of track elongation according to the spacing of saidcribs and mounted on the machine frame for relative movement in relationthereto in said direction,

6. means for continuously operating the track moving 'unit in responseto the control element,

7. a drive for moving the vibratory ballast tamping tools relative tothe machine frame,

8. a control for said drive,

9. a first frame supporting one group of said tamping tools,

a. said one group of tamping tools being arranged to tamp the ballast inrespective ones of said cribs underneath adjacent ones of said ties, and

10. a second frame supporting another groups of said tamping tools,

a. said other group of tamping tools being arranged to compact theballast in the cribs rearwardly of the first frame in the workingdirection, and

11. the tamping tool support frames being mounted on the machine framefor relative movement in relation thereto.

33. A mobile track tamping machine for correcting 50 the position of atrack including two rails mounted on successive ties resting on ballastdefining cribs between the ties, which machine comprises 1. a machineframe mounted on the track for continuous advancement therealong in aworking direction,

2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame for continuous grippingengagement with the track rails while the machine continuously advances,

3. a reference system associated with the track for correcting theposition thereof in relation to the reference system,

4. a control element indicating the position of the track andcooperating with the reference system for operating the track movingunit to maintain the position of the track in a selected relation to thereference system determined by the cooperation of the control elementwith the reference system,

5. a plurality of vibratory ballast tamping tools spaced from each otherin the direction of track elongation according to the spacing of saidcribs and mounted on the machine frame for relative 3. a referencesystem associated with the track for correcting the position thereof inrelation to the reference system,

4. a control element indicating the position of the track andcooperating with the reference system for operating the track movingunit to maintain the position of the track in a selected relation to themovement in relation thereto is said direction, reference systemdetermined by the cooperation of 6. means for continuously operatingthe-track moving the control element with the reference system,

unit in response to the control element, 5. a plurality of vibratoryballast tamping tools 7. a drive for moving the vibratory ballasttamping spaced from each other in the direction of track tools relativeto the machine frame, elongation according to the spacing of said cribs8. a control for said drive, and mounted on the machine frame forrelative 9. a plurality of frames each supporting a group of movement inrelation thereto in said direction,

said tamping tools, 6. means for continuously operating the track movinga. each of the tamping tool support frames being unit in response to thecontrol element,

mounted on the machine frame for relative 7. a drive for moving thevibratory ballast tamping movement in relation thereto, and toolsrelative to the machine frame, and b. the drive for moving the tampingtools compris- 8. a control for said drive,

ing separately controlled drive means for each of 9. a common framesupporting groups of said tampsaid tamping tool support frames. ingtools associated with respective ones of the 34. A mobile track tampingmachine for correcting rails, the position of a track including tworails mounted on a. the tamping tools being vertically movable andsuccessive ties resting on ballast defining cribs between b. the tampingtool support frame being mounted the ties, which machine comprises onthe machine frame for relative movement in l. a machine frame mounted onthe track for continrelation thereto.

uous advancement therealong in a working direc- 36. A mobile tracktamping machine for correcting tion, the position of a track includingtwo rails mounted on 2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame forconsuccessive ties resting on ballast defining cribs between tinuousgripping engagement with the track rails the ties, which machinecomprises while the machine continuously advances, l. a machine framemounted on the track for contin- 3. a reference system associated withthe track for uous advancement therealong in a working direccorrectingthe position thereof in relation to the tion, reference system, 2. atrack moving unit arranged on the frame for con- 4. a control elementindicating the position of the tinuous gripping engagement with thetrack rails track and cooperating with the reference system while themachine continuously advances, for operating the track moving unit tomaintain the 3. a reference system associated with the track forposition of the track in a selected relation to the correcting theposition thereof in relation to the reference system determined by thecooperation of reference system, the control element with the referencesystem, 4. a control element indicating the position of the 5. aplurality of vibratory ballast tamping tools track and cooperating withthe reference system spaced from each other in the direction of trackfor operating the track moving unit to maintain the elongation accordingto the spacing of said cribs position of the track in a selectedrelation to the and mounted on the machine frame for relative referencesystem determined by the cooperation of movement in relation thereto insaid direction, the control element with the reference system, 6. meansfor continuously operating the track moving 5. a plurality of vibratoryballast tamping tools unit in response to the control element, spacedfrom each other in the direction of track 7. a drive for moving thevibratory ballast tamping elongation according to the spacing of saidcribs tools relative to the machine frame, and mounted on the machineframe for relative 8. a control for said drive, movement in relationthereto in said direction, 9. two frames each supporting a group of saidtamp- 6. means for continuously operating the track moving ing tools,unit in response to the control element, a. said tamping tool supportframes being asso- 7. a drive for moving the vibratory ballast tampingciated with respective ones of said rails, and tools relative to themachine frame, b. the control for the drive being arranged to move 8. acontrol for said drive,

the frames into selected positions in relation to 9. an endless conveyorcarrier for the tamping tools, each other. a. the controlled drivecontinuously moving the 35. A mobile track tamping machine forcorrecting endless conveyor in a vertical plane parallel to the positionof a track including two rails mounted on the track for positioningsuccessive ones of the successive ties resting on ballast defining cribsbetween tamping tools in respective ones of said cribs. the ties, whichmachine comprises 37. A mobile track tamping machine for correcting I. amachine frame mounted on the track for continthe position of a trackincluding two rails mounted on. uous advancement therealong in a workingdirecsuccessive tiesresting on ballast defining cribs between tion, theties, which machine comprises 2. a track moving unit arranged on theframe for con- 1. a machine frame mounted on the track for contintinuousgripping engagement with the track rails uous advancement therealong ina working direc while the machine continuously advances, tion,

2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame for continuous grippingengagement with the track rails while the machine continuously advances,

3. a reference system associated with the track for correcting theposition thereof in relation to the reference system,

4. a control element indicating the position of the track-andcooperating with the reference system for operating the track movingunit to maintain the position of the track in a selected relation to thereference system determined by the cooperation of the control elementwith the reference system,

5. a plurality of vibratory ballast tamping tools spaced from each otherin the direction of track elongation according to the spacing of saidcribs and mounted on the machine frame for relative movement in'relationthereto in said direction,

6. means for continuously operating the track moving unit in response tothe control element,

7. a drive for moving the vibratory ballast tamping tools relative tothe machine frame,

8. a control for said drive,

9. a frame supporting the tamping tools,

a. the tamping tool support frame being mounted on the machine frame forrelative movement in relation thereto, and

b. the track moving unit being mounted on the movable frame for movementin unison therewith r'elative to the machine frame.

38. A mobile track tamping machine for correcting the position of atrack including two rails mounted on.

successive ties resting on ballast defining cribs between the ties,which machine comprises 1. a machine frame mounted on the track forcontinuous advancement therealong in a working direction,

2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame for continuous grippingengagement with the track rails while the machine continuously advances,

3. a reference system associated with the track for correcting theposition thereof in relation to the reference system,

4. a control element indicating the position of the track andcooperating with the reference system for operating the track movingunit to maintain the position of the track in a selected relation to thereference system determined by the cooperation of the control elementwith the reference system,

5. a plurality of vibratory ballast tamping tools spaced from each otherin the direction of track elongation according to the spacing of saidcribs and mounted on the machine frame for relative movement in relationthereto in said direction,

6. means for continuously operating the track moving unit in response tothe control element,

7. a drive for moving the vibratory ballast tamping tools relative tothe machine frame,

8. a control for said drive,

9. auxiliary track holding means mounted in the range of the tampingtolls for continuously gripping the track rails while the machinecontinuously advances and the tamping tools are operated to hold thetrack in the corrected position.

39. A mobile track tamping machine for correcting the position of atrack including two rails mounted on successive ties resting on ballastdefining cribs between the ties, which machine comprises l. a machineframe mounted on the track for continuous advancement therealong in aworking direction,

2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame for continuous grippingengagement with the track rails while the machine continuously advances,

3. a reference system associated with the track for correcting theposition thereof in relation to the reference system,

4. a control element indicating the position of the track andcooperating with the reference system for operating the track movingunit to maintain the position of the track in a selected relation to thereference system determined by the cooperation of the control elementwith the reference system,

5. a plurality of vibratory ballast tamping tools spaced from each otherin the direction of track elongation according to the spacing of saidcribs and mounted on the machine frame for relative movement in relationthereto in said direction,

6. means for continuously operating the track moving unit in response tothe control element,

7. a drive for moving the vibratory ballast tamping tools relative tothe machine frame,

8. a control for said drive,

9. a frame supporting the tamping tools,

a. the tamping tool supporting frame being mounted on the machine framefor relative movement in relation thereto, and

10. sensing means associated with the tamping tool supporting frame forsensing varying distances between the ties,

a. the sensing means being operatively connected to the control foractuating the drive control in response to the sensed distances.

40. A mobile track tamping machine for correcting the position of atrack including two rails mounted on successive ties resting on ballastdefining cribs between the ties, which machine comprises 1. a machineframe mounted on the track for continuous advancement therealong in aworking direction,

2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame for continuous grippingengagement with the track rails while the machine continuously advances,

3. a reference system associated with the track for correcting theposition thereof in relation to the reference system,

4. a control element indicating the position of the track andcooperating with the reference system for operating the track movingunit to maintain the position of the track in a selected relation to thereference system determined by the cooperation of the control elementwith the reference system,

5. a plurality of vibratory ballast tamping. tools b. said controlelement being mounted for movement in unison with the tamping toolsupporting frame.

41. A mobile track tamping machine for correcting the position of atrack including two rails mounted on successive ties resting on ballastdefining cribs between the ties, which machine comprises l. a machineframe mounted on the track for continuousadvancement therealong in aworking direction,

2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame for continuous grippingengagement with the track rails while the machine continuously advances,

T. a reference system associated with the track for correcting theposition thereof in relation to the reference system,

I. a control element indicating the'position of the track andcooperating with the reference system for operating the track movingunit to maintain the position of the track in a selected relation to thereference system determined by the cooperation of a. the tamping toolsupporting frame being mounted on the machine frame for relativemovement in relation thereto, b. the reference system including amovable forward end, and 10. control means for moving the forward end inresponse to the movement of the tamping tool sup-

1. A mobile track tamping machine for correcting the position of a trackincluding two rails mounted on successive ties resting on ballastdefining cribs between the ties, which machine comprises
 1. a machineframe mounted on the track for continuous advancement therealong in aworking direction,
 2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame forcontinuous gripping engagement with the track rails while the machinecontinuously advances,
 3. a reference system associated with the trackfor correcting the position thereof in relation to the reference system,a. the track moving unit being arranged to raise the track in relationto the reference system,
 4. a control element indicating the position ofthe track and cooperating with the reference system for operating thetrack moving unit to maintain the position of the track in a selectedrelation to the reference system determined by the cooperation of thecontrol element with the reference system,
 5. a plurality of vibratoryballast tamping tools spaced from each other in the direction of trackelongation according to the spacing of said cribs and mounted on themachine frame for relative movement in relation thereto in saiddirection,
 6. means for continuously operating the track moving unit inresponse to the control eLement,
 7. a drive for moving the vibratoryballast tamping tools relative to the machine frame, and
 8. a controlfor said drive.
 2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame forcontinuous gripping engagement with the track rails while the machinecontinuously advances,
 2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame forcontinuous gripping engagement with the track rails while the machinecontinuously advances,
 2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame forcontinuous gripping engagement with the track rails while the machinecontinuously advances,
 2. The track tamping machine of claim 1, whereinthe track moving unit is arranged to raise the track in relation to thereference system.
 2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame forcontinuous gripping engagement with the track rails while the machinecontinuously advances,
 2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame forcontinuous gripping engagement with the track rails while the machinecontinuously advances,
 2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame forcontinuous gripping engagement with the track rails while the machinecontinuously advances,
 2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame forcontinuous gripping engagement with the track rails while the machinecontinuously advances,
 2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame forcontinuous gripping engagement with the track rails while the machinecontinuously advances,
 2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame forcontinuous gripping engagement with the track rails while the machinecontinuously advances,
 2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame forcontinuous gripping engagement with the track rails while the machinecontinuously advances,
 2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame forcontinuous gripping engagement with the track rails while the machinecontinuously advances,
 2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame forcontinuous gripping engagement with the track rails while the machinecontinuously advances,
 2. a track moving unit arranged on the frame forcontinuous gripping engagement with the track rails while the machinecontinuously advances,
 2. front and rear running gears at the ends ofthe elongated machine frame mounting the frame on the track forcontinuous advancement therealong in a working direction,
 3. a trackmoving unit arranged on the frame for continuous gripping engagementwith the track rails while the machine continuously advances,
 3. areference system associated with the track for correcting the positionthereof in relation to the reference system, a. the track moving unitbeing arranged to raise the track in relation to the reference system,3. a reference system associated with the track for correcting theposition thereof in relation to the reference system,
 3. a referencesystem associated with the track for correcting the position thereof inrelation to the reference system,
 3. a reference system associated withthe track for correcting the position thereof in relation to thereference system,
 3. a reference system associated with the track forcorrecting the position thereof in relation to the reference system, 3.a reference system associated with the track for correcting the positionthereof in relation to the reference system,
 3. a reference systemassociated with the track for correcting the position thereof inrelation to the reference system,
 3. a reference system associated withthe track for correcting the position thereof in relation to thereference system,
 3. a reference system associated with the track forcorrecting the position thereof in relation to the reference system, 3.a reference system associated with the track for correcting the positionthereof in relation to the reference system,
 3. The track tampingmachine of claim 1, wherein the drive for moving the vibratory ballasttamping tools relative to the machine frame is a hydraulic motor.
 3. areference system associated with the track for correcting the positionthereof in relation to the reference system,
 3. a reference systemassociated with the track for correcting the position thereof inrelation to the reference system,
 3. a reference system associated withthe track for correcting the position thereof in relation to thereference system,
 4. a control element indicating the position of thetrack and cooperating with the reference system for operating the trackmoving unit to maintain the position of the track in a selected relationto the reference system determined by the cooperation of the controlelement with the reference system,
 4. a control element indicating theposition of the track and cooperating with the reference system foroperating the track moving unit to maintain the position of the track ina selected relation to the reference system determined by thecooperation of the control element with the reference system,
 4. acontrol element indicating the position of the track and cooperatingwith the reference system for operating the track moving unit tomaintain the position of the track in a selected relation to thereference system determined by the cooperation of the control elementwith the reference system,
 4. a control element indicating the positionof the track and cooperating with the reference system for operating thetrack moving unit to maintain the position of the track in a selectedrelation to the reference system determined by the cooperation of thecontrol element with the reference system,
 4. a control elementindicating the position of the track and cooperating with the referencesystem for operating the track moving unit to maintain the position ofthe track in a selected relation to the reference system determined bythe cooperation of the control element with the reference system,
 4. Thetrack tamping machine of claim 1, wherein said machine frame iselongated, front and rear running gears at the ends of the elongatedmachine frame mount the frame for mobility on the track, and the tampingtools are mounted on the elongated machine frame between the front andrear running gears for vertical movement in relation to the machineframe.
 4. a control element indicating the position of the track andcooperating with the reference system for operating the track movingunit to maintain the position of the track in a selected relation to thereference system determined by the cooperation of the control elementwith the reference system,
 4. a control element indicating the positionof the track and cooperating with the reference system for operating thetrack moving unit to maintain the position of the track in a selectedrelation to the reference system determined by the cooperation of thecontrol element with the reference system,
 4. a control elementindicating the position of the track and cooperating with the referencesystem for operating the track moving unit to maintain the position ofthe track in a selected relation to the reference system determined bythe cooperation of the control element with the reference system,
 4. acontrol element indicating the position of the track and cooperatingwith the reference system for operating the track moving unit tomaintain the position of the track in a selected relation to thereference system determined by the cooperation of the control elementwith the reference system,
 4. a control element indicating the positionof the track and cooPerating with the reference system for operating thetrack moving unit to maintain the position of the track in a selectedrelation to the reference system determined by the cooperation of thecontrol element with the reference system,
 4. a control elementindicating the position of the track and cooperating with the referencesystem for operating the track moving unit to maintain the position ofthe track in a selected relation to the reference system determined bythe cooperation of the control element with the reference system,
 4. acontrol element indicating the position of the track and cooperatingwith the reference system for operating the track moving unit tomaintain the position of the track in a selected relation to thereference system determined by the cooperation of the control elementwith the reference system,
 4. a control element indicating the positionof the track and cooperating with the reference system for operating thetrack moving unit to maintain the position of the track in a selectedrelation to the reference system determined by the cooperation of thecontrol element with the reference system,
 4. a reference systemassociated with the track for correcting the position thereof inrelation to the reference system,
 5. a control element indicating theposition of the track and cooperating with the reference system foroperating the track moving unit to maintain the position of the track ina selected relation to the reference system determined by thecooperation of the control element with the reference system,
 5. aplurality of vibratory ballast tamping tools spaced from each other inthe direction of track elongation according to the spacing of said cribsand mounted on the machine frame for relative movement in relationthereto is said direction,
 5. a plurality of vibratory ballast tampingtools spaced from each other in the direction of track elongationaccording to the spacing of said cribs and mounted on the machine framefor relative movement in relation thereto in said direction,
 5. aplurality of vibratory ballast tamping tools spaced from each other inthe direction of track elongation according to the spacing of said cribsand mounted on the machine frame for relative movement in relationthereto in said direction,
 5. a plurality of vibratory ballast tampingtools spaced from each other in the direction of track elongationaccording to the spacing of said cribs and mounted on the machine framefor relative movement in relation thereto in said direction,
 5. aplurality of vibratory ballast tamping tools spaced from each other inthe direction of track elongation according to the spacing of said cribsand mounted on the machine frame for relative movement in relationthereto in said direction,
 5. a plurality of vibratory ballast tampingtools spaced from each other in the direction of track elongationaccording to the spacing of said cribs and mounted on the machine framefor relative movement in relation thereto in said direction,
 5. Thetrack tamping machine of claim 1 comprising a carrier for the tampingtools, the carrier being mounted for relative movement to the machineframe in said direction.
 5. a plurality of vibratory ballast tampingtools spaced from each other in the direction of track elongationaccording to the spacing of said cribs and mounted on the machine framefor relative movement in relation thereto in said direction,
 5. aplurality of vibratory ballast tamping tools spaced from each other inthe direction of track elongation according to the spacing of said cribsand mounted on the machine frame for relative movement in relationthereto in said direction,
 5. a plurality of vibratory ballast tampingtools spaced from each other in the direction of track elongationaccording to the spacing of said cribs and mounted on the machine framefor relative movement in relation thereto in said direction,
 5. aplurality of vibratory ballast tamping tools spaced from each other inthe direction of track elongation according to the spacing of said cribsand mounted on the machine frame for relative movement in relationthereto in said direction,
 5. a plurality of vibratory ballast tampingtools spaced from each other in the direction of track elongationaccording to the spacing of said cribs and mounted on the machine framefor relative movement in relation thereto in said direction,
 5. aplurality of vibratory balLast tamping tools spaced from each other inthe direction of track elongation according to the spacing of said cribsand mounted on the machine frame for relative movement in relationthereto in said direction,
 5. a plurality of vibratory ballast tampingtools spaced from each other in the direction of track elongationaccording to the spacing of said cribs and mounted on the machine framefor relative movement in relation thereto in said direction,
 6. meansfor continuously operating the track moving unit in response to thecontrol element,
 6. means for continuously operating the track movingunit in response to the control element,
 6. means for continuouslyoperating the track moving unit in response to the control element, 6.means for continuously operating the track moving unit in response tothe control element,
 6. means for continuously operating the trackmoving unit in response to the control eLement,
 6. means forcontinuously operating the track moving unit in response to the controlelement,
 6. means for continuously operating the track moving unit inresponse to the control element,
 6. means for continuously operating thetrack moving unit in response to the control element,
 6. means forcontinuously operating the track moving unit in response to the controlelement,
 6. means for continuously operating the track moving unit inresponse to the control element,
 6. means for continuously operating thetrack moving unit in response to the control element,
 6. The tracktamping machine of claim 5, further comprising a frame supporting thetamping tool carrier, the tamping tool carrier support frame beingmounted on the machine frame for relative movement in relation thereto.6. means for continuously operating the track moving unit in response tothe control element,
 6. a plurality of vibratory ballast tamping toolsspaced from each other in the direction of track elongation according tothe spacing of said cribs and mounted on the elongated machine framebetween the front and rear running gears for vertical movement inrelation to the machine frame and for relative movement in relationthereto in said direction,
 6. means for continuously operating the trackmoving unit in response to the control element,
 7. The track tampingmachine of claim 1, wherein said control is responsive to the continuousadvancement of the machine frame in said working direction, the controlbeing arranged continuously to drive the tamping tools in response tothe continuous advancement alternately opposite to the working directionin synchronization with the advancement, whereby the tamping toolsremain in respective ones of said cribs during tamping of the ballast,and in said working direction to move the tamping tools to a successivecribs along the track.
 7. a drive for moving the vibratory ballasttamping tools relative to the machine frame, and
 7. a drive for movingthe vibratory ballast tamping tools relative to the machine frame,
 7. adrive for moving the vibratory ballast tamping tools relative to themachine frame,
 7. means for continuously operating the track moving unitin response to the control element,
 7. a drive for moving the vibratoryballast tamping tools relative to the machine frame, and
 7. a drive formoving the vibratory ballast tamping tools relative to the machineframe,
 7. a drive for moving the vibratory ballast tamping toolsrelative to the machine frame,
 7. a drive for moving the vibratoryballast tamping tools relative to the machine frame,
 7. a drive formoving the vibratory ballast tamping tools relative to the machineframe, and
 7. a drive for moving the vibratory ballast tamping toolsrelative to the machine frame,
 7. a drive for moving the vibratoryballast tamping tools relative to the machine frame,
 7. a drive formoving the vibratory ballast tamping tools relative to the machineframe,
 7. a drive for moving the vibratory ballast tamping toolsrelative to the machine frame,
 7. a drive for moving the vibratorytamping tools relative to the machine frame,
 8. a control for saiddrive,
 8. a control for said drive,
 8. a control for said drive,
 8. acontrol for said drive.
 8. a control for said drive,
 8. a control forsaid drive,
 8. a control for said drive,
 8. a control for said drive, 8.a control for said drive,
 8. a control for said drive, a. the controlbeing responsive to the continuous advancement of the machine frame insaid working direction and being arranged continuously to drive thetamping tools in response to the continuous advancement alternatelyopposite to the working direction in synchronization with theadvancement, whereby the tamping tools remain in respective ones of saidcribs during tamping of the ballast, and in said working direction tomove the tamping tools to a successive cribs along the track.
 8. a drivefor moving the vibratory ballast tamping tools relative to the machineframe, and
 8. a control for said drive,
 8. a control for said drive, 8.a control for said drive,
 8. The track tamping machine of claim 1,further comprising a first frame supporting one group of said tampingtools, said one group of tamping tools being arranged to tamp theballast in respective ones of said cribs underneath adjacent ones ofsaid ties, and a second frame supporting another group of said tampingtools, said other group of tamping tools being arranged to compact theballast in the cribs, the second frame being arranged rearwardly of thefirst frame in the working direction, and the tamping tool supportframes being mounted on the machine frame for relative movement inrelation thereto.
 9. The track tamping machine of claim 8, furthercomprising a drive for moving the second frame in relation to the firstframe in said direction.
 9. a common frAme supporting groups of saidtamping tools associated with respective ones of the rails, a. thetamping tools being vertically movable and b. the tamping tool supportframe being mounted on the machine frame for relative movement inrelation thereto.
 9. a first frame supporting one group of said tampingtools, a. said one group of tamping tools being arranged to tamp theballast in respective ones of said cribs underneath adjacent ones ofsaid ties, and
 9. a plurality of frames each supporting a group of saidtamping tools, a. each of the tamping tool support frames being mountedon the machine frame for relative movement in relation thereto, and b.the drive for moving the tamping tools comprising separately controlleddrive means for each of said tamping tool support frames.
 9. a controlfor said drive.
 9. a carrier for the tamping tools, and
 9. a framesupporting the tamping tools, a. the tamping tool supporting frame beingmounted on the machine frame for relative movement in relation thereto,b. the reference system including a movable forward end, and
 9. a framesupporting the tamping tools, a. the tamping tool supporting frame beingmounted on the machine frame for relative movement in relation thereto,and
 9. a frame supporting the tamping tools, a. the tamping tool supportframe being mounted on the machine frame for relative movement inrelation thereto, and b. the track moving unit being mounted on themovable frame for movement in unison therewith relative to the machineframe.
 9. auxiliary track holding means mounted in the range of thetamping tolls for continuously gripping the track rails while themachine continuously advances and the tamping tools are operated to holdthe track in the corrected position.
 9. an endless conveyor carrier forthe tamping tools, a. the controlled drive continuously moving theendless conveyor in a vertical plane parallel to the track forpositioning successive ones of the tamping tools in respective ones ofsaid cribs.
 9. two frames each supporting a group of said tamping tools,a. said tamping tool support frames being associated with respectiveones of said rails, and b. the control for the drive being arranged tomove the frames into selected positions in relation to each other.
 9. aframe supporting the tamping tools, a. the tamping tool supporting framebeing mounted on the machine frame for relative movement in relationthereto, and b. said control element being mounted for movement inunison with the tamping tool supporting frame.
 10. control means formoving the forward end in response to the movement of the tamping toolsupporting frame.
 10. sensing means associated with the tamping toolsupporting frame for sensing varying distances between the ties, a. thesensing means being operatively connected to the control for actuatingthe drive control in response to the sensed distances.
 10. a framesupporting the tamping tool carrier, a. the tamping tool carrier supportframe being mounted on the machine frame for relatively movement inrelation thereto.
 10. a second frame supporting another groups of saidtamping tools, a. said other group of tamping tools being arranged tocompact the ballast in the cribs rearwardly of the first frame in theworking direction, and
 10. The track tamping machine of claim 9, whereinthe drive for moving the tamping tools in a common drive for the firstand second frames operated by said control, and said control alsooperates the drive for moving the second frame in relation to the firstframe.
 11. The track tamping machine of claim 1, further comprising aplurality of frames each supporting a group of said tamping tools, eachof said tamping tool support frames being mounted on the machine framefor relative movement in relation thereto, the drive for moving thetamping tools comprising separately controlled drive means for each ofsaid tamping tool support frames.
 11. the tamping tool support framesbeing mounted on the machine frame for relative movement in relationthereto.
 12. The track tamping machine of claim 1, further comprisingtwo frames each supporting a group of said tamping tools, said tampingtool support frames being associated with respective ones of said rails,and the control for the drive being arranged to move the frames intoselected positions in relation to each other.
 13. The track tampingmachine of claim 12, wherein each of said groups of tamping tools isarranged to tamp the ballast in two adjacent cribs simultaneously, andthe drive control being arranged to move the frames into the selectedpositions wherein the tamping tools on both frames simultaneously tampthe same crib.
 14. The track tamping machine of claim 1, furthercomprising a common frame supporting groups of said tamping toolsassociated with respective ones of the rails, the tamping tools beingvertically movable, and the common tampIng tool support frame beingmounted on the machine frame for relative movement in relation thereto.15. The track tamping machine of claim 14, wherein each of the groups oftamping tools consists of alternatingly mounted tamping tools arrangedto tamp the ballast in respective ones of said cribs underneath adjacentones of said ties and to compact the ballast in the cribs, thealternating tamping tools being spaced in the direction of elongation ofthe track.
 16. The track tamping machine of claim 15, wherein the toolsarranged to compact the ballast in the cribs are rearwardly of the toolsarranged to tamp the ballast underneath the ties in the workingdirection.
 17. The track tamping machine of claim 16, further comprisingdrive means for moving the tamping tools arranged to tamp the ballastunderneath the ties towards said ties.
 18. The track tamping machine ofclaim 1, further comprising an endless conveyor carrier for the tampingtools, the controlled drive continuously moving the endless conveyor ina vertical plane parallel to the track for positioning successive onesof the tamping tools in respective ones of said cribs.
 19. The tracktamping machine of claim 18, further comprising means adjustablymounting the tamping tools on the endless conveyor carrier for varyingthe spacing therebetween.
 20. The track tamping machine of claim 18,wherein the drive control is arranged so to regulate the speed of theendless conveyor in respect of the speed of the machine advancement thata respective one of the tamping tools remains in the crib during tampingwhile the machine continuously advances.
 21. The track tamping machineof claim 18, wherein the tamping tools are vibratory levers pivotalabout an axis extending transversely to the track, and a drive means isconnected to each vibratory lever for pivoting the lever about said axisin a vertical plane parallel to the track.
 22. The track tamping machineof claim 1, wherein the track moving unit is mounted on the machineframe.
 23. The track tamping machine of claim 1, further comprising aframe supporting the tamping tools, the tamping tool supporting framebeing mounted on the machine frame for relative movement in relationthereto, and the track moving unit being mounted on the movable framefor movement in unison therewith relative to the machine frame.
 24. Thetrack tamping machine of claim 1, further comprising auxiliary trackposition holding means, said means being mounted in the range of thetamping tools for continuously gripping the track rails while themachine continuously advances and the tamping tools are operated to holdthe track in the corrected position.
 25. The track tamping machine ofclaim 1, further comprising a frame supporting the tamping tools, thetamping tool supporting frame being mounted on the machine frame forrelative movement in relation thereto, and sensing means associated withthe tamping tool supporting frame for sensing varying distances betweenthe ties, the sensing means being operatively connected to the controlfor actuating the drive control in response to the sensed distances. 26.The track tamping machine of claim 25, wherein the sensing means is atactile sensing element fixedly mounted on the frame supporting thetamping tools and arranged to contact successive ones of the ties in itspath during the continuous advancement of the machine frame.
 27. Thetrack tamping machine of claim 1, further comprising a frame supportingthe tamping tools, the tamping tool supporting frame being mounted onthe machine frame for relative movement in relation thereto, and saidcontrol element being mounted for movement in unison with the tampingtool supporting frame.
 28. The track tamping machine of claim 1, furthercomprising a frame supporting the tamping tools, the tamping toolsupporting frame being mounted on the machine frame for relativemovement in relation thereto, said reference system including a movableforward end, and control means for Moving the forward end in response tothe movement of the tamping tool supporting frame.
 29. A mobile tracktamping machine for correction the position of a track including tworails mounted on successive ties resting on ballast defining cribsbetween the ties, which machine comprises
 30. A mobile track tampingmachine for correcting the position of a track including two railsmounted on successive ties resting on ballast defining cribs between theties, which machine comprises
 31. A mobile track tamping machine forcorrecting the position of a track including two rails mounted onsuccessive ties resting on ballast defining cribs between the ties,which machine comprises
 32. A mobile track tamping machine forcorrecting the position of a track including two rails mounted onsuccessive ties resting on ballast defining cribs between the ties,which machine comprises
 1. a machine frame mounted on the track forcontinuous advancement therealong in a working direction,
 33. A mobiletrack tamping machine for correcting the position of a track includingtwo rails mounted on successive ties resting on ballast defining cribsbetween the ties, which machine comprises
 34. A mobile track tampingmachine for correcting the position of a track including two railsmounted on successive ties resting on ballast defining cribs between theties, which machine comprises
 35. A mobile track tamping machine forcorrecting the position of a track including two rails mounted onsuccessive ties resting on ballast defining cribs between the ties,which machine comprises
 36. A mobile track tamping machine forcorrecting the position of a track including two rails mounted onsuccessive ties resting on ballast defining cribs between the ties,which machine comprises
 37. A mobile track tamping machine forcorrecting the position of a track including two rails mounted onsuccessive ties resting on ballast defining cribs between the ties,which machine comprises
 38. A mobile track tamping machine forcorrecting the position of a track including two rails mounted onsuccessive ties resting on ballast defining cribs between the ties,which machine comprises
 39. A mobile track tamping machine forcorrecting the position of a track including two rails mounted onsuccessive ties resting on ballast defining cribs between the ties,which machine comprises
 40. A mobile track tamping machine forcorrecting the position of a track including two rails mounted onsuccessive ties resting on ballast defining cribs between the ties,which machine comprises
 41. A mobile track tamping machine forcorrecting the position of a track including two rails mounted onsuccessive ties resting on ballast defining cribs between the ties,which machine comprises